ALEXANDRIA, VA — Former Alexandria Mayor William “Bill” Euille will help Del Ray kick off the holiday season with a holiday tree lighting on Sunday, Dec. 3.
The Del Ray Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues). The holiday kick-off starts a month of festive events in the Del Ray neighborhood.
The tree lighting countdown will be led by Euille, a 1968 T.C. Williams High School graduate who was elected as Alexandria’s first African American major in 2003 and served until 2016.
“He has dedicated his life to Alexandria,” said Del Ray Business Association President Lauren Fisher. “The Del Ray community honors his work in public service and his continued dedication to our community by serving on numerous non-profit boards, foundations and councils.”
Along with the holiday tree and menorah lighting, Sunday’s event will feature holiday carols and photos with Santa. Windows along Mount Vernon Avenue will have hand-painted holiday art, and Mount Vernon Avenue will be illuminated by thousands of luminarias in honor of the late Nancy Dunning. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations of breakfast cereals, canned goods, and new underwear (for men, women or children in various sizes) for Carpenter’s Shelter.
The Del Ray Business Association is planning several more events during the holiday season. First up is the Shops of Del Ray’s Sip & Shop on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 6 p.m .to 9 p.m. Shoppers can enjoy extended shopping hours, special promotions and wine during this event. The first free registered participants will receive free swag bags.
Then, take a break from holiday preparations to socialize with your neighbors at the Candy Cane Bar Crawl on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees who purchase a ticket will receive food and drink specials, raffles, photo booth, trolley transportation and holiday cheer at 22 participating Del Ray restaurants. The event will benefit Community Lodgings and the Mother of Light Center.
The same day, shop for holiday gifts at the Del Ray Holiday Pop-Up Market from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square. Local makers and at-home businesses will participate in the market.
Another ongoing event is a holiday scavenger hunt. Local artists created hand-painted holiday windows at businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue. Scavenger hunt participants have a chance to win gift cards from Del Ray businesses. Stay tuned for more information from the Del Ray Business Association.